2023 Annual report

EDUCATION

Joining as the Chair of Clinical Education this summer, Dr. Sullivan-Mee shares what makes SUNY Optometry stand out. Meet the Chair, Dr. Michael Sullivan-Mee

disease. Considering the aging of the population with its associated increases in vision-threatening conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, it is ever more important that SUNY continues to broadly train primary care clinicians to competently manage these common vision threats. SUNY also uniquely offers focused instruction tracks in the form of our Micro credential programs. Within these distinctive programs, students receive concentrated instruction in Vision Rehabilitation, Pediatrics, Low Vision, Glaucoma, and Cornea and Contact Lenses. The expertise gained from these programs promotes an elevated level of competence while providing advanced training in managing extraordinary and complex patient care presentations within each of these subspecialty areas. Q: What makes the way we teach or deliver our curriculum stand out? A: SUNY has uniquely invested in advanced technology for teaching both in the basic and clinical science tracks. When the learning from these tools is combined with dedicated faculty and the exceptional clinical experience that is fundamental to the SUNY curriculum, the result is competent eye care clinicians with the curiosity and scientific foundation that promotes continued professional growth and ongoing success.

Q: How is SUNY Optometry’s curriculum evolving to support student learning for the future of the optometric field? A: Continued evolution of our curriculum and teaching methods is critical to long-term success, including increasingly leveraging technology to our advantage. SUNY currently employs state-of the-art VR systems including gross anatomy platforms and hands-on ocular diagnostic simulators. These advanced technological tools, which are continually refined and improved, provide great advantages for students striving to enhance their foundational knowledge and clinical skills. Q: With the continued focus on interdisciplinary care and innovation, how are we preparing students to apply their education post-graduation? A: Interdisciplinary care has long been a staple of our students’ core education. Not only do students regularly engage in interdisciplinary

interactions throughout the clinics, they gain even broader healthcare exposure during their 4th year externship experiences. Being prepared to succeed and take advantage of opportunities for innovation within the evolving healthcare landscape requires a robust foundational knowledge base and broad clinical experience. This is a SUNY strength, as its core education prepares graduates to be well-positioned for emerging opportunities that become available into the future. Q: How are sub-specializations enhancing the training for the ODs of tomorrow? A: The momentum of sub specialization across healthcare is unrelenting, and eyecare is not immune to the trend. SUNY Optometry has long distinguished its expertise in numerous subspecialty areas including contact lens care, low vision, vision therapy, glaucoma, neuro-ocular disease and retinal

70 Partnerships

To read more about our evolving educational programs:

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16 Community Health Sites

International Affiliations

Externship Sites

12 SUNY OPTOMETRY ANNUAL REPORT